July 28, 2025

Makalu Barun National Park lies in the remote eastern Himalayas of Nepal, covering 1,500 square kilometers in the Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung districts. Known for its dramatic landscapes including Mount Makalu—the world’s fifth highest peak at 8,485 meters—this park offers a sanctuary for rare and endangered Himalayan species and pristine forest ecosystems.

The park’s diverse terrain includes subtropical forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and rhododendron-covered hillsides, making it one of Nepal’s most ecologically varied national parks.

Location and Landscape

  • Districts: Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung
  • Province: Koshi Province
  • Elevation: 334 to 8,485 meters (Mount Makalu peak)

The park stretches from the foothills to the high alpine zones, including the Barun Valley, known for its stunning biodiversity and panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Wildlife Highlights

Mammals

  • Red Panda
  • Snow Leopard
  • Himalayan Black Bear
  • Musk Deer
  • Himalayan Tahr
  • Langur Monkeys

Birds (Over 400 species recorded)

  • Himalayan Monal (Danphe)
  • Blood Pheasant
  • Satyr Tragopan
  • Golden Eagle
  • Himalayan Griffon Vulture
  • Various species of Woodpeckers, Warblers, and Flycatchers

Flora

  • Extensive rhododendron and oak forests
  • Bamboo groves
  • Alpine shrubs and wildflowers

What Makes Makalu Barun Special

  1. Home to some of Nepal’s rarest mammals and birds
  2. Includes part of the sacred Barun Valley with cultural significance
  3. Offers a dramatic vertical range from subtropical to alpine habitats
  4. Less visited and remote, ideal for adventurous ecotourists
  5. Strong conservation efforts and community involvement

Things to Do in Makalu Barun National Park

  • Trekking the Makalu Barun Circuit with breathtaking Himalayan vistas
  • Wildlife and bird watching throughout the elevation zones
  • Visiting traditional Sherpa and Rai villages
  • Exploring alpine meadows and rhododendron forests
  • Photography of unique flora and fauna

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March to May) for rhododendron blooms and moderate weather
  • Autumn (September to November) for clear skies and wildlife activity

Avoid monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rains and slippery trails.

How to Get There

  • By air: Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Airport, followed by road travel to park entrance
  • By road: Road access from Tumlingtar and Sankhuwasabha

Where to Stay

  • Lodges and guesthouses in villages along the trekking routes
  • Community-run homestays offering local cuisine and culture

Makalu Barun National Park: At a Glance

CategoryHighlights
Signature SpeciesRed Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Monal, Musk Deer
LandscapeRhododendron forests, alpine meadows, high peaks
Wildlife ExperienceRemote trekking with diverse species sightings
CultureSherpa and Rai communities, sacred valleys
Adventure TypeTrekking, wildlife viewing, cultural immersion
Conservation FocusProtection of rare species and habitats